Episode 7 "Revealed Intentions, Conflicts between Advisor and Captain" - "Wavering in the Waves, The Courage of That Day"

-A senior captain, Akira Shinoda, collapsed in the school building at night, unable to hold back the pain in his leg.

We (Kohei Aizawa, Tomoki Otani, and Hinata Tachibana) and the student council president, Mizuki Kiryu, discovered him,

He and his advisor, Mr. Shuji Kurokawa, rushed to the site,

I hurriedly carried my senior to the infirmary.

The scene there was as shocking as if I had witnessed an accident.

Shinoda-senpai is unable to walk properly due to severe pain in his right leg, even though he is on the verge of qualifying for the inter-high school tournament.

Moreover, it was painful to see her reveal her strong distrust of her teachers at night at school.

The door to the infirmary is opened and the teacher turns on the lights to quickly secure the room.

The teacher on duty (a school nurse) had already left for work, but fortunately, first aid supplies, compresses, and bandages were available.

Put him down here. It's not safe to move him."

Dr. Kurokawa sets up the bed with clerical and quick movements and lays down Shinoda-senpai.

"Ugh ...... damn ......"

The senior was sweating greasily and breathing heavily.

When Hinata asked, "Are you all right?" the senior shook his head in pain.

"I can't move my leg as ...... much as I'd like. The pain is increasing.
　If I had a board in a situation like this, I could ...... or not ......"

The senior's words were broken off and we couldn't hide our agitation either.

Otani suggests, "Maybe we should call an ambulance," but the doctor shakes his head.

'Relax, if it's a suspected fracture, it could be a bad sprain or an effect on a ligament.
　For now, it's appropriate to icing and resting overnight, then going to the hospital tomorrow for a full examination."

"But sir, ......."

Just as Hinata was about to say something like that, Kiryu-senpai quickly interrupted her.

I'll talk to him. I will also arrange for the school to take him to the hospital first thing tomorrow morning."

It helps."

The teacher briefly thanks him and again begins to apply a cold compress to Shinoda-senpai's leg to fix it in place.

(The teacher is still very reliable and skillful in such situations. ......
　(I wonder if he is used to treating injuries because he is the advisor of the surfing club and has experienced them himself in the past.)

A subtle emotion swirls in the back of my chest.

While there are whispers that he may be the one who stole the board, his desperate attempts to save his students from suffering in this way are typical of a teacher.

"...... sir."

When he dares to open his mouth, the teacher remains silent and continues to hold the senior's legs in place.

The sound of bandages being tightened is very loud to my ears.

Why were you on campus at this hour?
　You had something to do with ......, didn't you?"

Next door, Otani and Hinata seem to be asking the same question.

Naturally, there are restrictions on access to the school at night, although they are allowed in because they are teachers,
Still, it is unusual to be there at this time of night (after 7-8pm).

"I had some ...... work left to do. I had to go back to the staff room once."

The teacher responds in a calm manner.

However, I think his gaze is wavering slightly.

The key to the staff room and the storage room - these seem to be related to the "incident".

"Teacher ......"

Shinoda-senpai's voice sounds like a croak.

I knew ...... you'd be the one to ...... my board..."

Don't be silly, we'll talk about that later!"

The teacher's voice goes up a notch, and the senior bites his lip in frustration, "Crap.

The air was almost as if it was in danger of turning into an argument.

Hinata desperately tries to soothe him by saying, "Senpai, don't push yourself too hard," but Senpai shows his uncontrollable irritation.

I know you're just trying to protect me or something, right?"
　I remember when I used to be a pro surfer and I was cut off. ......
　So I don't want my leg to go through the same thing--
　Then be honest and admit it!"

At these words, the teacher's expression clearly intensified.

He mutters quietly, "You, where did you get that story ......?"

The fact that we learned about Dr. Kurokawa's past through the materials prepared by Kiryu-senpai.has not yet told the doctor.

Shinoda-senpai may have heard about it from somewhere through a different route.

You guys have a teacher's past at ......?"

When the teacher turned his sharp gaze on us, Hinata said, "Excuse me,
But through the Internet and old documents, I found out about ...... teacher's injured past," he confesses.

...... I see."

The teacher slumps for a moment and exhales quietly.

I had a serious injury in high school that forced me to give up surfing.
　But there's no way I'd steal your board for that."

Shinoda-senpai laughs in a muffled voice.

'Then why did you lock the shed key that night: ......
　and there is no proof or anything.
　I don't blame you for saying that."

Every word reveals a color of desperation.

The doctor told the senior, "Just rest. He told them, "Just take a rest.

(Sensei says he didn't steal it, but Shinoda-senpai doesn't believe him.
　(The two sides are in complete conflict, how can the rift be bridged?)

Otani looks pained and Hinata watches quietly with tears in her eyes.

Kiryu-senpai tries to say something, but seems to lose his timing.

Then, unexpectedly, the door to the infirmary opened.

Coming in...guardHe was a man of the

Oh, Chairman Kiryu and the doctor, you are still here.
　Sorry, it's almost time to lock down the school,
　I don't want them to stay too long. ......"

Apparently, the main areas were to be locked by the time it was dark outside.

Shinoda-senpai is told to leave the school after his condition settles down.

I understand. Shinoda-kun has a leg injury,
　May I ask you to get me a wheelchair or something?"

Kiryu-senpai immediately asked the security guard to make arrangements.

During the series of exchanges, the teacher and Shinoda-senpai did not exchange words,
There was just an acrimonious atmosphere.

(Something, nothing is going to get done if we don't get this done. ......)

I could do nothing but stare at the wall of the infirmary with a seething feeling.

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(2) Diagnosis at the hospital and impatience with the "competition

The next morning, by arrangement with Kiryu-senpai, Shinoda-senpai was to undergo a thorough examination at the hospital.

We also tried to visit him at the hospital after class, but the senior said curtly, "You don't have to come.

Having no choice, Otani and Hinata kept in touch and explained the situation to the club members in the clubroom.

And after school--

Hinata called the hospital to get the results of Shinoda-senpai's diagnosis.

He said he's hurt his leg ligaments and ...... won't be able to practice for a while."

Hinata reports in a voice that sounds like it is about to cry.

At this stage, there is less than a week left before the Inter-High qualifying round.

Before practice, it is impossible to even compete without finding a board.

"Shinoda-senpai, you're really tough on competitions. ......"

Otani's head was in his hands and the club members in the clubroom were silent.

Saki Kawakubo, a senior, looks down with a bitter expression on her face.

I would have liked to go to the main inter-high school tournament with Shinoda-senpai, too. ......
　Recurrent injuries, board theft ...... what the hell."

No one has any words to reply to her words, which she cannot hide her frustration.

(Why does all the worst timing have to coincide?)

As the air sinks heavy, Hinata gently clenches her fists.

'But it's still too early to give up completely until the ...... match.
　Even if your foot is injured, in some cases there may be a way to compete with less pain. ......"

I don't see the point in going out that far.
　And as a result, we risk losing our future. ......"

Hinata is also unable to respond to the words of one of the club members.

Just then, Kurokawa-sensei came to visit the club room.

Did you hear Shinoda's diagnosis? I hear there's a lot of strain on the ligaments."

"Yes. ...... is it no good now, sir?"

When Hinata asks with desperate eyes, the teacher shakes his head in a slightly complicated manner.

Ultimately it's up to you and your doctor, but at least for now you need rest.
　I can't say there's no chance he'll force his way in on the day of the tournament, but it's a big ...... risk."

(I'm sure the teacher really wants to stop the seniors from overreacting.)

Behind those words, which sound somewhat cold, lies a trauma from the past.

The club members looked at each other and said, "Well, that's what the teacher would say. ......

With the air heavy and heavy, the mood was one of dissolution, with no motivation to go to practice.

As the teacher was about to leave the club room, Otani called out to him as if he had made up his mind.

"Sir, may I have a word with ......?"

"What the fuck?"

'I need you to let me check the warehouse and the school building again at night.
　We might find a board, and there are rumors of "prowlers."

The teacher is overtly alarmed.

Last time I went over it with you, you didn't get much out of it."

But rumor has it that someone has broken in again.
　I think that's what did it."

'...... there's no guarantee I'll be able to keep you company, and it's not safe to go around the school building at night with just the students.'

The teacher's voice is low, but mixed with some hesitation.

Hinata adds, "Maybe Kiryu-senpai can help us, too,

The teacher raises his eyebrows in surprise.

Kiryu is at ......."

Indeed, using the authority of the student body president, it is not impossible to patrol the school building at night.

If you also contact the security guard, you can avoid unnecessary calls to the police.

You're free to "....... I don't guarantee anything,
　I don't know if you ever get in trouble."

The teacher spits out a word and leaves.

He looked somewhat ...... complicated, as if the doctor himself was suffering or trapped.

(Maybe because the teacher has something to hide,
　(Maybe they're uncomfortable making the rounds together.)

The thought of it made my heart flutter.

But right now we have to do what we can.

Otani and Hinata are also determined.

--the missing board, suspicious people at night, and the teacher's past,

Without putting an end to all this, Shinoda-senpai will not be saved.

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Saki's impatience and "suspicious glance

Later, Saki Kawakubo-senpai, who had remained in the clubroom, spoke to me and Hinata as if she had made up her mind.

...... you know, can I go along with you in your search for a schoolhouse for the night?"

"Eh, Saki-senpai?"

Surprised by the unexpected offer, Saki-senpai continues her words with a grim face.

I'm not going to be able to find a board with Shinoda-senpai in such a state,
　I don't know how the convention will go either.
　Then I want to get to the bottom of it myself."

"Seniors, it could be dangerous, and ...... are you sure you're okay with that?"

Hinata asks worriedly, but Saki-senpai shakes her head.

I have a feeling of fear. But that's not the point anymore.
　If I don't do this, my club activities will end and I'll be at my mental limit ......"

In his eyes, I saw strong determination and impatience.

We looked at each other and gave each other a small nod.

-If she wants to go that far, it's not a bad idea to work together.

I understand. Then, I'll set up a date and talk to Kiryu-senpai."

Yes, please.

Saki-senpai replies shortly and leaves the club room.

Her back was filled with a desperate desire to "do something.

(Even senior Saki, who has always been told she is talented,
　He is under pressure due to the absence of senior Shinoda and this incident.
　(We're all on the edge of our seats.)

Only Hinata, Otani, and a few other club members remain in the clubroom.

Hinata exhales deeply and slowly opens her mouth.

Then let's talk to Kiryu-senpai and plan another night patrol of the school building.
　This time I'll make sure I have time to look all around the staff room and storage area."

Oh. What if this doesn't lead to anything: ......"

Ohtani weakens, but Hinata tries to smile, fails, and says in a slightly trembling voice, "I'm not sure I'm going to be able to do it.

But we have to do it. If we all work together, I'm sure we can figure something out."

I nodded broadly, too, to close the moment.

There is a great deal of uncertainty as to whether the core of the case is getting closer.

But he felt there was no more time left.

◇◇◇

4. repeated intrusions and teacher anguish

The next day, unexpected news popped into my ears.

A security guard reported "another suspicious figure on campus at night."

And this time,Behind the gymnasium, not in the warehouseThere are signs that he was roaming around the

"Back of the gym ...... used to be the back of the school building, right?"

Hinata is confused.

What in the world do they want?" Otani nodded his head.

I have no idea either.

(Is the board being moved?
　Or is the killer simply wandering around the school in the middle of the night ......?)

But this gives impetus to the nightly patrol plan.

When I reported this to Kiryu-senpai, he emphatically undertook, "Okay, let's do a full-scale investigation this time.

In the midst of all this, it seems that Kurokawa-sensei does not show his face in the clubroom, but quietly processes documents in the staff room.

"If the teacher is really stealing, then maybe the suspicious person at night is the teacher. ......
Such a question comes to mind, but I have no proof and cannot question him badly.

But we were determined.

The next night - with the help of the security guard and Kiryu-senpai,
Once again, a thorough search of the school in the dead of night will be conducted to locate the culprit or board.

Saki Kawakubo, my senior, also wants to participate, and we have no choice but to make sure everything is in order.

(This is your last chance.
　Shinoda senpai may not be able to compete due to a foot injury, though,
　If we can get the board back, there should still be some possibilities.
　(Even Kurokawa-sensei may have left something out.)

--and that night.

We were once again in a dark school building.

The security guard knows this because of the official permission by Kiryu-senpai.

The investigation began at the back of the gymnasium, where a suspicious person was reportedly found.

If there are any clues there, we might be able to decipher the motive of the killer.

Shinoda-senpai's legs were in a miserable state and there was no way he could come.

The teacher does not show up, but to be honest, the teacher himself is the subject of suspicion.

The five of us, Otani, Hinata, Saki-senpai, Kiryu-senpai, and I, go through the darkness with flashlights in hand.

...... really is there, suspicious."

Otani mutters in a whisper.

Hinata's hands are trembling, but Saki-senpai walks in front of her, looking surprisingly regal.

There's nothing to be afraid of anymore. I'll just do it," he said with a small exhale.

Everyone, watch your step.

Kiryu-senpai quietly gives the signal.

The back of the gymnasium is lined with storage and equipment rooms, which should be basically locked.

The pale light of the gate lamp illuminates the ground, and we move on, our footsteps silent.

(Please, let me get something from ...... If this suspicious person is the one who hid the board, we might be able to get to the solution in one fell swoop ......!)

My heart beats with a pounding beat.

Looking back, both Hinata and Otani have tense faces.

Saki-senpai's eyes are sharp, while Kiryu-senpai maintains a calm expression.

Then, unexpectedly, a rattling ...... sound came from the apparatus room.

Was that ...... the sound of something falling over?"

Otani braces himself.

Kiryu-senpai whispered, "Let's go! and we quietly approach the direction of the sound.

Thump, thump, thump...... heart beats loudly.

The night wind blows in and it even feels chilly.

The door to the apparatus room appears to be locked,
The metal hinges are distorted or slightly open, and I think I saw light moving inside.

(There's ...... someone in there!)

Without making a sound, I carefully pull the door open.

Then I saw a faint light, and there was--

You say, "...... what? You are ......!"

A surprised voice escapes Hinata's mouth.

There he was, the man you didn't expect to see--
Former club members who should have quit the club(*Names withheld, but suggested as mob)
but turns around in an impatient manner.

In his hand, he was holding what looked like a large bag of something .......

Hey, why ......"

Saki Senpai exclaims.

Kiryu-senpai also opened his eyes and gasped, "You, why are you here ......?

Fixture room at night.

No way someone was trying to hide or take something out. ......

They stand there staring at us with the door open.

(Is this the guy who did the board ......?)

Confused and shocked and unable to think straight, a situation was about to begin in the middle of the night at the scene.

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--Episode 7 End--